Forms
The
forms of an Kung Fu hold it's mysteries and secrets. If you understand the
forms, you understand the art. You must constantly seek the original intent of
the master who created that form. When you allow the form to be done by you as
opposed to do the form, you will begin to gain the understanding and awareness
of the form's creator. Magical traditions talk about invocation. You may find
that many of your style's fighting forms are simple invocations that have been
passed on throughout the generations of your style's existence.
For
example, if you have "tiger" form, do you pose through the form pretending to be
a tiger or even worse, do you do the techniques of the form the same way you do
the techniques in your "crane" form? Or do you invoke the spirit of the tiger
and allow that tiger spirit to possess your body so that it may do the form for
you? Take every form you know and attempt to uncover the original intent of the
form's creator. What do you know about him? Is this the same person who founded
your style? What is the history, tradition and belief surrounding each form?
What is the purpose? And after you think you know what it is, search to see what
else it could be. You will soon see that this is a lifetime study. As you empty
your cup each time you approach each form, that form will teach you more and
more about its mysteries. Most Kung Fu traditions have certain forms that are
designed to teach their practioners about chi, energy or life force. As you
practice these forms, you not only become aware that you are a field of
bio-electric energy, you also find that you are increasing the strength of this
energy system. Ultimately you will realize that the entire universe is energy
and you are a part of that energy. As such, your Kung Fu evolves from physical
level into dealing with life on an energy level. It is at this point that one's
interest in the mystical aspects of the Kung Fu will normally increase.